Unveiling the Cincinnati Tech Census: A Case Study in Building a World-Class Tech Community Between the Coasts

Posted October 16, 2018

Matt Hunckler

CEO, Powderkeg

Building a mature, flourishing tech ecosystem is far from an easy task. It takes the unwavering dedication of many talented people over many years, and success is never a guarantee. But it can be done, and those working “in the trenches” of tech entrepreneurship can look to other communities that are a few steps ahead on this journey for guidance and inspiration.

Cincinnati is one such community. Nestled along the Ohio River and close to the borders of Indiana and Kentucky, Cincinnati harbors a fast-growing tech ecosystem that’s fueled by four nearby universities, large national companies such as P&G and Kroger, and dozens of innovative, venture-backed startups. The product of more than a decade of hard work and local initiatives, Cincinnati serves as a prime example of how to build a world-class tech ecosystem in the Midwest.

During Techstars’ Cincinnati Startup Week, the entire Powderkeg team traveled to Cincy to unveil the findings of the just-released 2018 Cincinnati Tech Census Report. While there, we spoke with eight influential members of the Cincinnati tech community, from entrepreneurs and investors to journalists and thought leaders, to break down the factors that have powered the growth of Cincinnati’s tech sector and highlight lessons for other communities across the country.

Matt Hunckler

CEO, Powderkeg

Matt is the founder and CEO of Powderkeg, a network of local communities with global reach for tech entrepreneurs, investors, and top talent. Powderkeg entrepreneurs have collectively raised more than $1 Billion in capital and are disrupting industries, creating wealth, and changing the world from areas beyond Silicon Valley. Hunckler has led successful teams with his own ventures, as well as Inc. 500 companies and venture-funded tech startups. He's been named an Under 30 CEO Entrepreneur to Watch and an IBJ Forty Under 40 Honoree for his entrepreneurial endeavors.
@hunckler